Security and Privacy in Healthcare
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Wearable Technology in Healthcare course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Security and Privacy in Healthcare #
Security and Privacy in Healthcare
Security and privacy in healthcare refer to the measures and practices put in pl… #
Security and privacy in healthcare refer to the measures and practices put in place to protect patient information and ensure that it is not accessed or disclosed without proper authorization.
Access Control #
Access Control
Access control in healthcare refers to the process of limiting and controlling a… #
This can include using passwords, biometrics, or other authentication methods to ensure that only those who need to access the information can do so.
Authentication #
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user before allowin… #
This can include using passwords, security tokens, biometrics, or other methods to ensure that the person accessing the information is who they claim to be.
Authorization #
Authorization
Authorization in healthcare refers to the process of granting specific permissio… #
This is typically based on the user's role within the healthcare organization and is used to ensure that sensitive information is only accessed by those who need it.
Biometrics #
Biometrics
Biometrics refers to the use of unique physical characteristics, such as fingerp… #
In healthcare, biometrics can be used as a form of authentication to ensure that only authorized personnel can access patient information.
Compliance #
Compliance
Compliance in healthcare refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, and indus… #
This can include regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States or GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union.
Data Breach #
Data Breach
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive pati… #
This can happen due to cyberattacks, insider threats, or other vulnerabilities in the healthcare organization's systems. Data breaches can have serious consequences for patients and healthcare providers, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions.
Encryption #
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized… #
In healthcare, encryption can be used to protect patient information both in transit (e.g., when sending data over the internet) and at rest (e.g., when storing data on servers or devices). This helps to ensure that even if a data breach occurs, the information remains secure.
Firewall #
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and… #
In healthcare, firewalls are used to protect the organization's network from cyberattacks and unauthorized access to patient information.
Health Information Exchange (HIE) #
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
Health Information Exchange (HIE) is the electronic sharing of patient informati… #
HIEs help to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare by allowing providers to access relevant patient information quickly and securely.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) #
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U #
S. law that sets national standards for the protection of patient health information. HIPAA includes regulations related to the privacy, security, and breach notification of health information, as well as the enforcement of these regulations through penalties for non-compliance.
Incident Response #
Incident Response
Incident response in healthcare refers to the process of identifying, managing,… #
This can include responding to data breaches, cyberattacks, or other incidents that threaten the security and privacy of patient data.
Internet of Things (IoT) #
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected devices tha… #
In healthcare, IoT devices such as wearable technology, medical devices, and sensors can collect valuable patient information but also pose security and privacy risks if not properly secured.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) #
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the process of securing, monitoring, and manag… #
MDM solutions can help to enforce security policies, control access to patient information, and protect against threats such as malware or data loss.
Phishing #
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers attempt to trick individuals i… #
In healthcare, phishing attacks can be used to gain access to patient information or compromise the security of the organization's systems.
Ransomware #
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ran… #
In healthcare, ransomware attacks can disrupt operations, compromise patient information, and result in financial loss if the ransom is paid.
Risk Assessment #
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment in healthcare involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing… #
This can include assessing vulnerabilities in the organization's systems, processes, and policies, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks and protect patient data.
Security Incident #
Security Incident
A security incident is any event that compromises the security or privacy of pat… #
This can include unauthorized access, data breaches, malware infections, or other incidents that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of patient data.
Two #
Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two #
Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different forms of identification before accessing patient information. This can include something the user knows (e.g., a password) and something the user has (e.g., a security token), making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data.
Vulnerability #
Vulnerability
A vulnerability is a weakness in a system, process, or policy that can be exploi… #
Vulnerabilities can include software bugs, misconfigured settings, or human errors that may put patient data at risk.
Wearable Technology #
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology refers to devices that can be worn on the body and collect d… #
In healthcare, wearable technology such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical devices can provide valuable insights into a patient's health but also raise security and privacy concerns if not properly protected.